Rescue efforts in Morpeth were aided by equipment purchased just weeks before disaster struck.
More than 100 people were rescued from recent floods by firefighters using the latest equipment. Among those saved were elderly and disabled residents, two babies and a range of pets.
AN all-female club has dipped into its pockets to help flood victims.
Morpeth Soroptimists have donated learning materials and electrical items to the Red Cross, to help with the relief effort in the flood-hit town.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and professions. Visit www.soroptimistinternational.org, call Michele Ricketton on (01670) 505 921, Judith Reynolds on (01670) 505 901or e-mail reynolds@reynolds58.freeserve.co.uk.
Despite many absences and a shortage of players, Morpeth firsts still turned out a stunning performance to beat Wilton 7-0.
Morpeth were only able to field a bare 11, but bright spirits meant they were looking for the best possible start to the season.
The game got off to a positive start with Morpeth controlling most of the possession and playing deep into Wilton's end. But bodies behind the ball frustrated the home side for most of the half.
Radek Rakocinski and Stephen Warwick netted in Morpeth Town's 2-0 victory at South Shields in the Skilltrainingltd Northern League.
Morpeth Swan took a thrashing at the weekend in the George Cave Memorial Cup, losing 7-0 to Bomarsund Social Club.
Craig Thompson got a hat-trick with Carl Turnbull, Ray Kay, Simon Wilson and David Drysdale all netting.
But Morpeth Waterford Lodge won 6-2 at Block & Tackle. Lee Smith and Mark Taylor were the men on the scoresheet for the Block, whilst Graham Vass (2), John Farrell (2), Nathan Harmer and Lenny Lansbury scored for the Waterford.
Morpeth finished third in the men's event of Saturday's Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships at Hartlepool Marina.
In the women's race, Chester-le-Street claimed a third successive victory in the event, with Morpeth (fifth) and Gateshead (seventh) both gaining top-ten places.
In the Men's Six-Stage Race, Leeds City easily retained their title ahead of Altrincham, with Morpeth third. Morpeth's Ian Hudspith clocked the fastest leg of the day. Sunderland were sixth, while New Marske were 10th. Elswick (25th) and Gateshead (30th) took places in the top 30 and possible invitations to the national event at Sutton Coldfield to be held on October 18.
Skips are being provided in Morpeth to support a national clean-up campaign.
Keep Britain Tidy launched its Big Tidy Up at the start of September and Castle Morpeth is doing its bit by providing community skips for household rubbish to each neighbourhood.
The project has been organised by the council's Green and Clean Unit and Castle Morpeth Housing to run alongside The Big Tidy Up campaign and is aimed at regenerating local neighbourhoods as well as preventing fly tipping.
FAMILIES who have been forced out of their homes by the devastating flooding which hit Morpeth are being offered specialist counselling to help them cope with the trauma and stress.
Mental health charity Contact - based in the Northumberland market town - says it will provide support for those finding it hard to cope.
Contact counsellors and volunteers are prepared to put in extra hours to help ease the stress many people are said to be experiencing after more than 1,000 homes in the town were hit by the severe flooding three weeks ago.
A PLANNING row over yellow and green advertising signs at the Morrisons petrol station in Dark Lane, Morpeth, will be decided following a local inquiry to be held on October 21.
Morrisons has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against Castle Morpeth Council's refusal to grant permission for the totem signs which they say are out of keeping with the town.
Flood victims in Morpeth are to benefit from cash usually earmarked to pay for small capital schemes in and around the town.
Local county councillors Andrew Tebbutt and David Moore have agreed to contribute £15,000 from their individual Members' Small Schemes Allowance to the Morpeth Lions Club flood victims' appeal.
Coun Tebbutt said: "We had to obtain special dispensation from the county council to support the flood victims' appeal rather than use the funds for a capital project.
LOCAL food lovers will be able to buy their Sunday lunch at Morpeth Farmers' Market as the popular event is moving to the first Saturday of the month from October 4.
The market started in November 1999 and is changing to a Saturday to take advantage of increased footfall in the town. Offering everything from lamb and beef to mussels, chicken, baked goods diary and vegetables, the event will run from 9am to early afternoon in Morpeth Market Place.
For details call (01670) 517915 or visit www.northumberlandfarmersmarkets.org.uk.
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